Food caddy roll-out in Coventry proposed for September
It follows a change in Government legislation
Coventry residents will have to wait until September before being able to use the new food waste caddies being rolled out across the country. It follows a change in Government legislation requiring all households to receive a weekly separate collection as part of its Simpler Recycling Reforms.
Members of the city council’s communities and neighbourhoods scrutiny board will consider a report from their environmental services team when they meet this week (Thursday) outlining how and when the new service will be introduced. The council has already received £2,691,322 to cover the cost of vehicles, containers and other expenses.
Ten food waste collection vehicles have already been bought along with 141,000 of the 23 litre food waste caddies. These are set to be delivered to homes from June ahead of the collections starting from September 1.
The report explains: “From June 2026, the distribution of 23-litre food waste containers, accompanied by an information leaflet outlining the new service, will commence. All household containers are scheduled to be delivered by early August. The separate food waste collection service will be available to all residents, including those living in flats and communal accommodation.
“Residents living in flats and communal properties will be required to dispose of their food waste in designated communal food waste bins. To support participation, five-litre kitchen caddies will be provided to these households as part of the role out. A stock of five litre kitchen caddies will also be available for all residents to collect from central locations across the city to encourage participation.
“A comprehensive staff recruitment programme will be initiated in July to ensure that all required personnel are appointed and receive full training in advance of the commencement of the service.”
The report also explained that a comprehensive communication plan was being developed to accompany the new service. The plan will ensure that residents are fully informed about the service changes and are equipped with the necessary information. Full communication regarding the food waste service will start from mid-May.
The Simpler Recycling Reforms White Paper outlined the Government’s approach to simplifying waste management and improving recycling rates across England. It’s aim was to make recycling easier by reducing the confusion among residents and businesses.